Now that Halloween is behind us, we’re setting our sights on the remainder of the year: the end of daylight saving time (don’t forget to change your clocks on Sunday—that is, if you still have any manual ones), followed by Thanksgiving, the winter holidays, and ringing in 2024. If there’s anything you plan to accomplish in 2023, whether it’s trying a new restaurant, making a new friend, visiting an unfamiliar town, or even just setting time aside for self-care, you have about eight weeks left to get cracking! Here’s our roundup for this weekend in Maine:

Somewhere to Go

Looking to avoid the crazy crowds this season? We don’t blame you. Get a head start on your annual holiday shopping at the Early Bird Sale-A-Bration in Freeport on Saturday. With deep discounts, surprise gift cards, and the best deals of the year, it’s a great opportunity to shop local and support your favorite Freeport businesses. Be sure to stop by Freeport Market for complimentary coffee and donuts before you begin!

When: Starting 8 a.m. Saturday
Where: Freeport

Something to Do

Download the Social Scavenger app and get ready to interact with businesses, discover historical landmarks, and have fun exploring the town at the Discover Downtown Westbrook Scavenger Hunt on Sunday! Teams of two to five people will have two hours to earn as many points as possible by competing in challenges, solving brain teasers, answering trivia questions, and reproducing popular memes. Once you’ve completed the scavenger hunt, head over to the afterparty at The Stockhouse Restaurant and Sports Pub for free appetizers while you wait for the winners to be announced. Tickets are $10 and all proceeds will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters.

When: 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday
Where: Downtown Westbrook

Something to Eat

Though micro-boulangerie ZU Bakery won’t officially open for business in Portland’s West End for another two weeks, owner and baker Barak Olins is testing out his equipment with a series of soft-opening pop-ups that give Mainers a chance to try his delectable baked goods. The to-go bakery, located right next to Portland newcomer The Danforth, will offer a limited array of rustic breads and pastries made from freshly milled regional grains, plus pizza alla Romana, biscotti, granola, coffee, and a revolving selection of wine.

When: 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesdays and Fridays
Where: 81 Clark Street, Portland

Something to Drink

Augusta hotspot State Lunch, winner of both our “Best Bartender” (Brittany Parlin) and “Best Cocktail Bar” categories in this year’s Maine Food + Drink Reader’s Choice Awards, is currently showcasing two incredible cocktails that you don’t want to miss. The EL, named after Eleven from Stranger Things, features Bar Hill Tomcat Gin, lemon, red pepper honey syrup, thyme, and herbal foam, topped with a mini waffle. Looking for something to top off your evening? Try the Irish Coffee, made with Slaine Irish whiskey and housemade coffee concentrate, topped with a layer of fresh cream.

When: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: 217 Water Street, Augusta

Something to See

Visit the Southworth Planetarium Friday for a deep dive into the spectacular world of moons. In Moons: Worlds of Mystery, a 35-minute family-friendly show from the Charles Hayden Planetarium at the Museum of Science in Boston, you’ll explore the solar system’s satellites and learn what they contribute to our knowledge of outer space. Following the show, take a live look at the night sky and participate in a Q&A session with the planetarium’s staff.

When: 1 p.m. Friday
Where: 70 Falmouth Street, Portland

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